Printable pre-sewn stuffed toy composite sheets

ABSTRACT

Embodiments of the invention provide a composite sheet for creating a customized design. The composite sheet includes a first fabric portion, a second fabric portion, and a membrane portion disposed between the first fabric portion and the second fabric portion, where the first fabric portion is sewn with stitching to the second fabric portion. One advantage of the composite sheet and related systems and methods is that users can create customized designs conveniently on their own home printer.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/410,295 filed Mar. 24, 2009 which claims the priority benefit ofprovisional U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 61/135,856, filed Jul. 24,2008, and provisional U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 61/194,593, filedSep. 29, 2008. The subject matter of these applications is herebyincorporated by reference. This application is related to U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 12/410,282, also filed Mar. 24, 2009 and which alsoclaims the priority benefit of provisional U.S. Patent Application Ser.No. 61/135,856, filed Jul. 24, 2008, and provisional U.S. PatentApplication Ser. No. 61/194,593, filed Sep. 29, 2008.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to the field of stuffed toysand, more particularly, to the manufacture and use of pre-sewn stuffedtoy composite sheets.

2. Description of the Related Art

As is known, a stuffed animal is toy animal sewn from cloth, plush, orother textiles that is stuffed with straw, beans, plastic pellets,cotton, synthetic fibers, or other similar materials. Stuffed animalsare also known as “plush toys” based on the plush outer material used tomake the toy. Stuffed animals are made in many different forms,including those resembling real animals, caricatures with emphasis ondifferent features, or cartoon characters, among others. Stuffed animalsare often used as comfort objects for children and adults alike.

One problem with conventional stuffed toys is that manufacturing anddesign of a customized stuffed toy is difficult and expensive.Physically creating a customized stuffed toy can take a long time andoften requires a factory to re-tool certain machinery for production ofa custom stuffed toy design.

A second problem with conventional stuffed toys is that if a stuffed toyis misplaced, there is no way to replicate the misplaced stuffed toywithout finding the exact model in a retail store. The particularstuffed toy may be discontinued or difficult to locate, causingadditional frustration.

Another problem with conventional stuffed toys is that the stuffed toysdo not utilize advancements in technology to increase the playability ofthe stuffed toys. Additionally, yet another problem with existingstuffed toys is that they are too difficult for a child to make and/orcustomize at home.

Accordingly, there exists a need in the art for an improved stuffed toythat overcomes the problems with conventional approaches.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the invention provide a composite sheet for creating acustomized design. The composite sheet includes a first fabric portion,a second fabric portion, and a membrane portion disposed between thefirst fabric portion and the second fabric portion, where the firstfabric portion is sewn with stitching to the second fabric portion.

One advantage of the composite sheets and the related systems andmethods disclosed herein is that users can create customized designsconveniently on their own home printer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A illustrates an exploded view of a composite sheet used to createa stuffed toy, according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 1B illustrates a perspective view of the composite sheet, accordingone embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a composite sheet after beingcustomized by a user, according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 is flow diagram of method steps for manufacturing compositesheets, according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4A is a conceptual diagram illustrating a roll of fabric, accordingto one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4B is a conceptual diagram illustrating a roll of fabric withprinted graphics, according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4C is a conceptual diagram illustrating a roll of membranematerial, according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4D is a conceptual diagram illustrating a roll of membrane materialwith holes cut into the membrane material, according to one embodimentof the invention.

FIG. 4E is a conceptual diagram illustrating a roll having two layers offabric laminated around the membrane material, according to oneembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4F is a conceptual diagram illustrating a roll with feeder tabsadded to the roll, according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4G is a conceptual diagram that illustrates a perforated compositesheet roll, according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4H is a conceptual diagram illustrating composite sheets, accordingto one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4I is a conceptual diagram illustrating a sewn composite sheet,according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 4J-4M are conceptual diagrams illustrating clothing outlinesincluded on a pre-sewn composite sheet, according to various embodimentsof the invention.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a system configured to implement one ormore aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram of method steps for designing a customizedstuffed toy, according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7 is a screen shot illustrating a user interface for customizing adesign of a stuffed toy, according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 8A-8B illustrate perspective views of clip-on bases that can beadded to the stuffed toy, according to various embodiments of theinvention.

FIG. 9 is a conceptual diagram that illustrates a system involving anRFID-enabled stuffed toy, according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 10 is a screen shot illustrating a user interface for customizing adesign of a sticker that may be placed on a backdrop, according to oneembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 11 is a screen shot illustrating a display window that includes acustomized stuffed toy and a customized backdrop, according to oneembodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the invention relate to manufacturing and use of pre-sewncomposite sheets that can be fed through a home printer to printcustomized graphics onto a stuffed toy shell. The stuffed toy shell canthen be stuffed to create the three-dimensional (3D) stuffed toy. Thecomposite sheets improve upon some inadequacies of conventional stuffedtoys and stuffed toy kits currently available. As described in greaterdetail herein, embodiments of the invention allow a user to customizethe graphics of the stuffed toy by creating a custom design utilizingcomputer software.

Manufacture of Composite Sheets

FIG. 1A illustrates an exploded view of a composite sheet 100 used tocreate a stuffed toy, according to one embodiment of the invention. Asshown, the composite sheet 100 includes two layers of fabric 102, amembrane 104, and one or more feeder tabs 106. In one embodiment, thelayers of fabric 102 are made from a knit fabric. The knit fabric mayallow for easier perforating during manufacturing. In alternativeembodiments, any type of fabric may be used, including non-wovenfabrics.

The membrane 104 is included in the composite sheet 100 to providerigidity to the composite sheet 104. In various embodiments, themembrane 104 may be made from any material, including paper, plastic, alaminate material, an adhesive, or any other technically feasiblematerial. As shown, the membrane 104 includes a hole 112 that covers anarea at least as large as an outline 108 of the stuffed toy. In thisfashion, when the different layers of the composite sheet 100 arecombined with one another, the membrane 104 does not interfere withstuffing of the stuffed toy. The stuffing may comprise any technicallyfeasible material, including cotton, a fiber fill, or any technicallyfeasible material.

The composite sheet 100 may optionally include one or more feeder tabs106 that provide a rigid and smooth surface to assist feeding thecomposite sheet 100 into an ink-jet printer. The feeder tabs 106 may bemade from any technically feasible material, including paper, plastic, alaminate material, or any other technically feasible material.

In one embodiment, graphics (not shown) are printed onto the compositesheet 100. The graphics may include identification information thatidentifies the manufacturer, brand, or particular stuffed toy outlineassociated with the particular composite sheet 100. The graphics mayalso include instructions for the user on how to use the composite sheet100 to create a customized stuffed toy.

The different layers of the composite sheet may be laminated to togetherto form the finished composite sheet. Additionally, the two layers offabric 102 may be sewn together with stitching 108 that forms theoutline of the stuffed toy. In one embodiment, the stitching 108 doesnot enclose the entirety of the outline of the stuffed toy. Rather, oneor more openings 110 remain unstitched to allow the stuffed toy to bestuffed.

FIG. 1B illustrates a perspective view of a composite sheet 150,according one embodiment of the invention. The composite sheet 150includes the same components as the composite sheet 100 shown in FIG.1A. As shown, the hole 112 included in the membrane 104 covers an areathat does not overlap with the outline 108 of the stuffed toy. A usermay create customized graphics to print onto the composite sheet 100.Once the graphics are designed, the composite sheet can be fed into aprinter that prints the customized design onto the composite sheet. Theoutline of the stuffed toy may then be removed from the composite sheetfor stuffing. In some embodiments, the composite sheet 100 may beperforated to allow for easier removal of the stuffed toy outline.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a composite sheet 200 afterbeing customized by a user, according to one embodiment of theinvention. As shown, the composite sheet 200 includes a perforation 202to allow for easier removal of the stuffed toy 204. Again, the stuffedtoy 204 includes stitching 208 that forms the outline of the stuffed toy204 and one or more openings 206 to allow the stuffed toy 204 to bestuffed.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the stuffed toy 204 has beencustomized by a user with custom graphics 210. As described in greaterdetail herein, the graphics 210 may be generated using specializedcomputer software and printed onto the composite sheet 200 using anink-jet printer.

Once the stuffed toy 204 is stuffed with stuffing, the one or moreopening 206 may be closed. Closing the one or more openings 206 may beperformed using any technically feasible technique. Examples oftechniques to close the one or more openings 206 include clipping thestuffed toy 204 into a base portion that covers the one or more openings206, sealing the one or more openings 206 closed with an adhesive,hand-sewing the one or more openings 206, or any other technicallyfeasible technique.

FIG. 3 is flow diagram of method steps for manufacturing compositesheets, according to one embodiment of the invention. Persons skilled inthe art will understand that, even though the method 300 is described inconjunction with the composite sheets of FIGS. 1 and 2, any compositesheet made by performing the steps of the method 300 illustrated in FIG.3, in any order, is within the scope of embodiments of the invention.

As shown, the method 300 begins at step 302, where a roll of fabric isprovided. FIG. 4A is a conceptual diagram illustrating a roll of fabric402, according to one embodiment of the invention. As described herein,the fabric may comprise any technically feasible material, includingboth woven and non-woven materials.

At step 304, a decorative outline, brand information, and otheridentifying information are printed on the fabric. FIG. 4B is aconceptual diagram illustrating a roll of fabric 404 with printedgraphics, according to one embodiment of the invention. As understood bythose having ordinary skill in the art, the graphics printed at step 304are not customized graphics, but rather provide a “shell” within which auser or customer can ultimately provide custom graphics. In oneembodiment, step 304 is omitted from the method 300.

At step 306, a roll of membrane material is provided. FIG. 4C is aconceptual diagram illustrating a roll of membrane material 406,according to one embodiment of the invention. As described herein, themembrane material may comprise any technically feasible material,including paper, plastic, a laminate material, or any other material.

At step 308, holes are cut into the membrane material. FIG. 4D is aconceptual diagram illustrating a roll of membrane material 408 withholes cut into the membrane material, according to one embodiment of theinvention. In one embodiment, the holes are cut into the membranematerial with a die cut machine. In alternative embodiments, the holesare cut by a laser cutter, a punch press, or any other technicallyfeasible apparatus.

At step 310, two separate layers of fabric are laminated around a layerof membrane material. FIG. 4E is a conceptual diagram illustrating aroll 410 having two layers of fabric laminated around a layer themembrane material, according to one embodiment of the invention. Asdescribed, the holes are positioned and sized so that the outline ofeach stuffed toy is placed over one of the holes in the membranematerial. In some embodiments, one or more wet or dry adhesives can beused to laminate the various layers so that one fabric layer does notadhere to the opposing fabric layer. For example, the adhesive may beapplied to the membrane material only. In another example, a pre-cutsheet of adhesive sized to the particular shape of the composite sheetand the stuffed toy outline is applied to both sides of the membranematerial.

At step 312, one or more feeder tabs are added to the roll to generate acomposite sheet roll. FIG. 4F is a conceptual diagram illustrates a roll412 with feeder tabs added, according to one embodiment of theinvention. Again, as described, the one or more feeder tabs may be addedto assist proper feeding of the composite sheet into ink-jet printers.In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4F, a feeder tab is added to each side(top and bottom) of the composite sheet, and also to both sides (leftand right) of the roll 412, for a total of four feeder tabs per roll. Inalternative embodiments, a feeder tab is only added to one side (eithertop side or bottom side) of the composite sheet, for a total of twofeeder tabs per roll. In still further embodiments, no feeder tab isadded to the roll 412 and step 312 is omitted.

At step 314, the composite sheet roll is perforated at the outline ofeach stuffed toy to provide easy removal of the stuffed toy from thecomposite sheet roll and/or from a composite sheet produced at the endof the method 300. FIG. 4G is a conceptual diagram that illustrates aperforated composite sheet roll 414, according to one embodiment of theinvention. In one embodiment, the perforation step can be performedfollowing any step of the method 300, including both before and afterstep 316 of cutting the composite sheet roll into separate compositesheets. In some embodiments, step 314 is omitted and the composite sheetroll is not perforated. In embodiments where the composite sheet is notperforated, users can cut the stuffed toy out of the composite sheetwith conventional scissors, a knife, or any other suitable cutting toolto remove the shape of the stuffed toy from the composite sheet.

At step 316, the composite sheet roll is cut into separate compositesheets. FIG. 4H is a conceptual diagram that illustrates compositesheets 416, according to one embodiment of the invention. At step 318,each composite sheet is sewn to provide to shape of the stuffed toy thatcan be made using that particular composite sheet. FIG. 4I is aconceptual diagram illustrating a sewn composite sheet 418, according toone embodiment of the invention. As shown, the stitching does notcompletely surround the outline of the stuffed toy and one or moreopenings are provided to allow the stuffed toy to be stuffed. In analternative embodiment, at step 318, instead of sewing the compositesheets, the shape of the stuffed toy is created by heat-sealing thecomposite sheet roll to generate the outline of the stuffed toy. In someembodiments, each composite sheet may include stitching that providesthe outline for one, two, or any number of stuffed toys.

Once the stuffed toy is filled with stuffing, the one or more openingscan be closed in any technically feasible manner. For example, thecomposite sheet may be manufactured to include a dry adhesive strip atthe opening to allow the user to seal the stuffing opening of thestuffed toy.

Alternative embodiments provide for manufacturing composite sheets withfolded fabric parts to allow for larger unfolding parts. In stillfurther embodiments, the fabric used to manufacture the composite sheetsprovides enough rigidity to be properly fed into a printer, and themembrane material is not included in the composite sheet. For example, aspecial coating may be applied to the fabric layers to add rigidity tothe composite sheet. A polyurethane coating or any other suitablematerial can be used to add rigidity to the fabric layers and can beadded to either side of the fabric.

In yet further embodiments, a printable portion of the composite sheetis coated with a product or solution designed to aid in the reception ofink from an ink-jet printer. In some embodiments, the composite sheetsare manufactured to have a size comprising a standard paper size,including letter size (8.5 inches.times. 11.0 inches), A4, or any otherstandard paper size. In alternative embodiments, the composite sheetshave a size that is not equivalent to a standard paper size.

As understood by those having ordinary skill in the art, the steps ofthe method 300 are not limited to being performed in the orderpresented, and may be performed in a different order.

In still further embodiments of the invention, the composite sheet mayinclude outlines that define the shape of clothing to be worn by dollsor children. Similar to the composite sheets described above in FIGS.1A-2 used for creating a customized stuffed toy, alternative embodimentsof the composite sheet may be used for creating customized clothing. Thecomposite sheet used to create customized clothing may also include twolayers of fabric, a membrane, one or more feeder tabs, and/or any of thealternatives described above in relation to composite sheets used forcreating a customized stuffed toy. The outline of the clothing may beperforated on the composite sheet and portions of the outline may bepre-sewn onto the composite sheet. In one embodiment, when used to makeclothing, the composite sheet is not stuffed with stuffing.

According to various embodiments, the user may design and print acustomized design onto one side or both sides of the fabric defined bythe clothing outline. In one embodiment, one composite sheet may includea single outline of clothing. For example, when the clothes are designedfor infants or children, then a single clothing outline may be includedon the composite sheet. In alternative embodiments, one composite sheetmay include multiple clothing outlines. For example, when the clothesare designed for dolls, several clothing outlines may fit onto a singlecomposite sheet.

In some embodiments, the customized clothing outline is not pre-sewn incertain portions to allow for a head, arms, and/or legs to be insertedinto the customized clothing. In some embodiments, the perforated edgesof the fabric that are not pre-sewn may be coated with an anti-fraycoating. In alternative embodiments, the fabric of the composite sheetmay be made from a fabric that does not fray. In still furtherembodiments, the fabric may be stretchable to accommodate the curves ofa doll or person.

In some embodiments, portions of the customized clothing outline mayhave openings, slits, or seams to enable easy dressing. For example, aslit may go partway down the back of a skirt to allow the skirt to beplaced over the hips of a doll. In still further embodiments, thefasteners may be added (e.g., adhesive, tape, hook-and-loop, button,pins, etc.) to close the openings, the slits, and/or the seams.

FIG. 4J is a conceptual diagram illustrating a shirt outline 420included on a pre-sewn composite sheet, according to one embodiment ofthe invention. As shown, the shirt outline 420 includes pre-sewnportions 422 and other portions 424 that are not pre-sewn. FIG. 4K is aconceptual diagram illustrating a skirt outline 430 included on apre-sewn composite sheet, according to one embodiment of the invention.As shown, the skirt outline 430 includes pre-sewn portions 432 and otherportions 434 that are not pre-sewn. FIG. 4L is a conceptual diagramillustrating a pants outline 440 included on a pre-sewn composite sheet,according to one embodiment of the invention. As shown, the pantsoutline 440 includes pre-sewn portions 442 and other portions 444 thatare not pre-sewn. FIG. 4M is a conceptual diagram illustrating a dressoutline 450 included on a pre-sewn composite sheet, according to oneembodiment of the invention. As shown, the dress outline 450 includespre-sewn portions 452 and other portions 454 that are not pre-sewn. Aspersons having ordinary skill in the art should understand, the designsillustrated in FIGS. 4J-4M are merely exemplary, and many other clothingoutlines are within the scope of embodiments of the invention, includinga vest design, a scarf design, socks design, and the like.

Computer System Overview

As described herein, embodiments of the invention provide acomputer-implemented method for creating a customized design for astuffed toy. FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a computer system 500configured to implement one or more aspects of the present invention.The computer system 500 may be a personal computer, video game console,personal digital assistant, rendering engine, or any other devicesuitable for practicing one or more embodiments of the presentinvention.

As shown, the computer system 500 includes a central processing unit(CPU) 502 and a system memory 504 communicating via a bus path that mayinclude a memory bridge 505. CPU 502 includes one or more processingcores, and, in operation, CPU 502 is the master processor of computersystem 500, controlling and coordinating operations of other systemcomponents. System memory 504 stores software applications and data foruse by CPU 502. CPU 502 runs software applications and optionally anoperating system. Memory bridge 505, which may be, e.g., a Northbridgechip, is connected via a bus or other communication path (e.g., aHyperTransport link) to an I/O (input/output) bridge 507. I/O bridge507, which may be, e.g., a Southbridge chip, receives user input fromone or more user input devices 508 (e.g., keyboard, mouse, joystick,digitizer tablets, touch pads, touch screens, still or video cameras, ascanner, motion sensors, and/or microphones) and forwards the input toCPU 502 via memory bridge 505. The I/O bridge 507 is also coupled to oneor more output devices 522, which may include a printer, a scanner, aspeaker, a digital video camera, or another computer system, amongothers.

A display processor 512 is coupled to memory bridge 505 via a bus orother communication path (e.g., a PCI Express, Accelerated GraphicsPort, or HyperTransport link); in one embodiment display processor 512is a graphics subsystem that includes at least one graphics processingunit (GPU) and graphics memory. Graphics memory includes a displaymemory (e.g., a frame buffer) used for storing pixel data for each pixelof an output image. Graphics memory can be integrated in the same deviceas the GPU, connected as a separate device with the GPU, and/orimplemented within system memory 504.

Display processor 512 periodically delivers pixels to a display device510 (e.g., a screen or conventional CRT, plasma, OLED, SED or LCD basedmonitor or television).

A system disk 514 is also connected to I/O bridge 507 and may beconfigured to store content and applications and data for use by CPU 502and display processor 512. System disk 514 provides non-volatile storagefor applications and data and may include fixed or removable hard diskdrives, flash memory devices, and CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, Blu-ray, HD-DVD, orother magnetic, optical, or solid state storage devices.

A switch 516 provides connections between I/O bridge 507 and othercomponents such as a network adapter 518 and various add-in cards 520and 521. Network adapter 518 allows computer system 500 to communicatewith other systems via an electronic communications network, and mayinclude wired or wireless communication over local area networks andwide area networks such as the Internet.

Other components (not shown), including USB or other port connectionsmay also be connected to I/O bridge 507. For example, an audio processormay be used to generate analog or digital audio output from instructionsand/or data provided by CPU 502, system memory 504, or system disk 514.Communication paths interconnecting the various components in FIG. 5 maybe implemented using any suitable protocols, such as PCI (PeripheralComponent Interconnect), PCI Express (PCI-E), AGP (Accelerated GraphicsPort), HyperTransport, or any other bus or point-to-point communicationprotocol(s), and connections between different devices may use differentprotocols, as is known in the art.

In one embodiment, display processor 512 incorporates circuitryoptimized for graphics and video processing, including, for example,video output circuitry, and constitutes a graphics processing unit(GPU). In another embodiment, display processor 512 incorporatescircuitry optimized for general purpose processing. In yet anotherembodiment, display processor 512 may be integrated with one or moreother system elements, such as the memory bridge 505, CPU 502, and I/Obridge 507 to form a system on chip (SoC). In still further embodiments,display processor 512 is omitted and software executed by CPU 502performs the functions of display processor 512.

Pixel data can be provided to display processor 512 directly from CPU502. In some embodiments of the present invention, instructions and/ordata representing a design of a customized stuffed toy are provided to arender farm or a set of server computers, each similar to computersystem 500, via network adapter 518 or system disk 514. The render farmgenerates one or more rendered images of the scene using the providedinstructions and/or data. These rendered images may be stored oncomputer-readable media in a digital format and optionally returned tocomputer system 500 for display.

Alternatively, CPU 502 provides display processor 512 with data and/orinstructions defining the desired output images, from which displayprocessor 512 generates the pixel data of one or more output images,including characterizing and/or adjusting the offset between stereoimage pairs. The data and/or instructions defining the desired outputimages can be stored in system memory 504 or graphics memory withindisplay processor 512. In an embodiment, display processor 512 includes3D rendering capabilities for generating pixel data for output imagesfrom instructions and data defining the geometry, lighting shading,texturing, motion, and/or camera parameters for a scene. Displayprocessor 512 can further include one or more programmable executionunits capable of executing shader programs, tone mapping programs, andthe like.

CPU 502, render farm, and/or display processor 512 can employ anysurface or volume rendering technique known in the art to create one ormore rendered images from the provided data and instructions, includingrasterization, scanline rendering REYES or micropolygon rendering, raycasting, ray tracing, image-based rendering techniques, and/orcombinations of these and any other rendering or image processingtechniques known in the art.

It will be appreciated that the computer system 500 shown herein isillustrative and that variations and modifications are possible. Theconnection topology, including the number and arrangement of bridges,may be modified as desired. For instance, in some embodiments, systemmemory 504 is connected to CPU 502 directly rather than through abridge, and other devices communicate with system memory 504 via memorybridge 505 and CPU 502. In other alternative topologies, displayprocessor 512 is connected to I/O bridge 507 or directly to CPU 502,rather than to memory bridge 505. In still other embodiments, I/O bridge507 and memory bridge 505 might be integrated into a single chip. Theparticular components shown herein are optional; for instance, anynumber of add-in cards or peripheral devices might be supported. In someembodiments, switch 516 is eliminated, and network adapter 518 andadd-in cards 520, 521 connect directly to I/O bridge 507.

Customized Stuffed Toy Design and Interaction

As described herein, embodiments of the invention relate to stuffed toysand a system and method for customization of a stuffed toy. A stuffedtoy kit is provided that improves upon some of the inadequacies ofconventional stuffed toys and stuffed toy kits currently available.Embodiments of the invention allow the user to customize the graphics ofthe stuffed toy by creating a design utilizing computer software. Thedesign is then printed onto a composite sheet using a conventionalink-jet printer or other type of printing device. Additionally, in someembodiments, the stuffed toy has the ability to interact with a physicalplay stand environment using radio-frequency identification (RFID)technology. The physical play stand may be coupled to a computer systemand may interact with a corresponding customized virtual environmentdisplayed on the computer system. The virtual environment on thecomputer system may provide additional playability through virtualgames.

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram of method steps for designing a customizedstuffed toy, according to one embodiment of the invention. Personsskilled in the art will understand that, even though the method 600 isdescribed in conjunction with the systems of FIG. 5, any systemconfigured to perform the method steps, in any order, is within thescope of the present invention.

As shown, the method 600 begins at step 602, where customizationsoftware executing on the computer system 500 receives input specifyinga shape of the stuffed toy to be created. The input may be user input.For example, if a user desires to create a stuffed toy shaped like abear, then the user may select a bear shape from a list of availableshapes. Additionally, the user may manually input a serial number orcode associated with the shape of the stuffed toy. The serial number orcode may be pre-printed on the composite sheet that the user wishes touse to create the stuffed toy. In alternative embodiments, the input maybe a computerized input such as scanning a bar code that identifies theshape of the stuffed toy to be created.

At step 604, the customization software displays a user interface forcustomizing the design of the stuffed toy to the user. The userinterface may be displayed on the display device 510 of the computersystem 500. FIG. 7 is a screen shot illustrating a user interface 700for customizing a design of a stuffed toy, according to one embodimentof the invention. As shown, the user interface 700 includes a template702 in the shape of a bear. Additionally, the user interface 700includes a plurality of customizable options, including eyes, nose,mouth, paws, tummy, colors, and patterns. As one having ordinary skillin the art would understand, the options shown in the user interface 700are merely examples, and any of the options shown may be omitted andother options not shown may be included in the user interface 700.

Referring back to FIG. 6, at step 606, the customization softwarereceives input specifying a custom design for the stuffed toy. In oneembodiment, the input is user input that is received via input devices508, such as a keyboard and mouse. The user input may specify one ormore of the options provided in the user interface 700 shown in FIG. 7.For example, the user input may specify one or more pre-designedpatterns, facial features, or colors. In alternative embodiments, theuser can upload graphics or pictures to the computer system 500, or maydraw graphics that can be incorporated into the custom design.

At step 608, a composite sheet is provided to a printer coupled to thecomputer system 500. For example, the composite sheet may comprise thecomposite sheet described in FIGS. 1 and 2. In one embodiment, thepre-sewn shape included in the pre-sewn sheet corresponds to thetemplate 702 shown in the user interface 700 in FIG. 7. At step 610, anink-jet printer coupled to the computer system prints the custom designonto the composite sheet. The ink-jet printer emits ink onto thecomposite sheet to form the custom design displayed on the screen.

In some embodiments, the composite sheet may be fed through the ink-jetprinter a second time to print a custom design onto the opposite side ofthe composite sheet. Once the printer finishes printing on one side oron both sides of the pattern, the user can remove the silhouette of thestuffed toy from the composite sheet. Since the silhouette is pre-sewnthrough both sides of the composite sheet, the silhouette can be filledwith stuffing to give the form volume. The user may then perform any ofthe techniques described above to close the opening where the stuffingwas inserted, such as applying a clip-on base to the stuffed toy. In oneembodiment, the clip-on base may comprise “shoes” that the stuffed toywears.

FIGS. 8A-8B illustrate perspective views of a clip-on bases 802, 806that can be added to the stuffed toy, according to various embodimentsof the invention. As in shown in FIG. 8A, in one embodiment, the clip-onbase 802 includes two openings 804A, 804B, where each opening isconfigured to accept a different body part of the stuffed toy. Forexample, each leg of the stuffed toy may be inserted into a differentopening 804A, 804B. The clip-on base 802 may also include one or morelocking mechanisms 810 to keep the stuffed toy from slipping out of theclip-on base 802. In an alternative embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8B, theclip-on base 806 may include a single opening 808. In these embodiments,a bottom portion of the stuffed toy can be inserted into the clip-onbase. The clip-on base 806 may also include a locking mechanism 812 tokeep the stuffed toy from slipping out of the clip-on base 806.

As described above, in some embodiments, the printable stuffed toy kitincludes RFID-enabled components. FIG. 9 is a conceptual diagram thatillustrates a system 900 involving an RFID-enabled stuffed toy 902,according to one embodiment of the invention. As shown, the system 900includes the stuffed toy 902 and a stage 904. The stuffed toy 902 isstuffed with stuffing and is clipped into a clip-on base 912. In oneembodiment, the clip-on base 912 includes an RFID tag that uniquelyidentifies the stuffed toy 902. In alternative embodiments, the RFID tagis included in the fabric of the stuffed toy 902. Most RFID tags containat least one integrated circuit for storing and processing information,modulating and demodulating a radio frequency (RF) signal, and otherspecialized functions, and an antenna for receiving and transmitting thesignal. Chipless RFID allows for discrete identification of tags withoutan integrated circuit, thereby allowing tags to be printed directly ontothe composite sheets, potentially at a lower cost than traditional RFIDtags.

The stage 904 includes a backdrop 914, a base portion 908, and a datacable 910 that can be coupled to the computer system 500 shown in FIG.5. In one embodiment, the backdrop 914 is made from cardstock, isremovable from the base portion 908, and may include an RFID tag thatuniquely identifies the backdrop 914. For example, the backdrop 914 maybe embedded with an RFID tag or may be made of RFID-enabled printablecardstock. In some embodiments, the cardstock may include a coating tomore easily accept ink. Additionally, the backdrop 914 may include acustomizable area 906 upon which a user can place customized stickers.FIG. 10 is a screen shot illustrating a user interface 1000 forcustomizing a design of a sticker that may be placed on the backdrop,according to one embodiment of the invention. As shown, a template 1002is displayed in the user interface 1000. The user can select variousoptions, including, for example, decorations, colors, and patterns, tocreate a customized backdrop design. A blank sticker sheet with anappropriately-sized sticker may be placed in the printer included in thecomputer system 500, and the customized backdrop can be printed onto thesticker sheet. In one embodiment, the size of the template 1002 isconfigured to fit within the customizable area 906 of the backdrop 914shown in FIG. 9.

The data cable 910, in one embodiment, may comprise a Universal SerialBus (USB) connector or any other type of data connector. In oneembodiment, the printable cardstock backdrop 914 has a passive RFID tagthat can be read through inductive power received via the data cable 910and the base portion 908.

The base portion 908 may include an RFID reader configured to read theRFID tag included in the stuffed toy 902 and/or the RFID tag included inthe backdrop 914 and to communicate data to the computer system 500 viathe data cable 910. In one embodiment, as described above, the clip-onbase 912 of stuffed toy 902 is designed to look like “shoes” for thestuffed toy 902 and includes an RFID tag embedded in the clip-on base912.

Additionally, the user can create custom decals to place on the stuffedtoy 902, on the clip-on base 912, or anywhere that the user desires.Creating the custom decals may be performed using a similar technique tothe techniques used to create the customized stuffed toy 902 and thecustomized backdrop 914.

Once a user has completed creating the customized stuffed toy 902,backdrops 914, and decals, the backdrop 914 can be placed into the baseportion 908 of the stage 904, and the stuffed toy 902 can be placed onthe base portion 908. The stage 904 can be plugged into the USB port ofa computer to begin communication between the stage and the computer.The RFID reader included in the stage 904 is configured to read the RFIDtag of the stuffed toy 902 and the RFID tag of the backdrop 914, and totransmit this information to the computer system 500 via the data cable910. A virtual version of the stuffed toy and a virtual version of thebackdrop may then be displayed on the display device and may include thecustomizations that the user created.

FIG. 11 is a screen shot 1100 illustrating a display window thatincludes a virtual customized stuffed toy 1102 and a virtual customizedbackdrop 1104, according to one embodiment of the invention. As shown,both the stuffed toy 1102 and the customized backdrop 1104 are displayedto include the customizations created by the user. The computer systemis able to determine this customization information by reading the RFIDtags of the stuffed toy and backdrop that are read by the RFID readerincluded in the stage. Since each stuffed toy and backdrop is createdwith a unique RFID tag, the appropriate designs are displayed on thedisplay screen on the computer system. The displayed toy environment canprovide any number of options for user interaction, including games andother interactive activities based around the customized toy andenvironment.

In some embodiments, a user can physically swap out the backdrop orstuffed toy that is in communication with the RFID reader to change whatis displayed on the computer screen. For example, if the backdroprepresents a bowling alley, then a virtual bowling alley environment isdisplayed on the display screen. If, for example, the user places afirst stuffed toy having a first RFID tag onto the stage, then thevirtual toy that appears on the display corresponds to the design of thefirst stuffed toy that is physically on the stage. The user can theninteract with the virtual first stuffed toy via the computer system. Ifthe user takes the first stuffed toy off the stage and replaces thefirst stuffed toy with a second stuffed toy having a second RFID tag,then the virtual toy that appears on the display corresponds to thedesign of the second stuffed toy, which is now physically on the stage.The user can then interact with the virtual second stuffed toy via thecomputer system.

The software can also be configured to upload data from the interactionsand designs created to be shared with a network of other users. Thesoftware may be configured to provide user communities, competitions,and other networked interactions, each of which further heighten theplayability of the customized stuffed toy. The software may beconfigured to prompt the user to select the particular stuffed toy orbackdrop in RFID communication with the RFID reader the first time thatthe particular stuffed toy or backdrop is in RFID communication in orderto associate that particular RFID tag with that particular customizeddesign. For example, the user may print several different customizedstuffed toys. The first time that a user places one of the stuffed toysonto the stage, the software may be configured to prompt the user toselect, from a listing of previously-created custom designs, the designof the stuffed toy that is currently in RFID communication. Once theuser makes the selection, then the software associates the unique RFIDtag with a particular customized toy. The next time that the user placesthat particular stuffed toy in RFID communication, the software alreadyrecognizes the RFID tag and can determine which stuffed toy is on thestage. The software may then display a virtual “avatar” of thecustomized stuffed toy on the display screen.

The system 900 may include any number of each of the differentcomponents described above and may include additional components tomaximize customizability and playability of the system 900. In someembodiments, the stage 904 may include wheels for easy transportationand additional playability. In further embodiments, the stage 904 may bepainted, unpainted, or decorated as desired by the user. In yet furtherembodiments, the backdrop 914 may include two or more RFID tags tocommunicate with the RFID reader. In some embodiments, the data cable910 is omitted and RFID tag information is transmitted to the computersystem with any technically feasible technique, including Bluetooth orother wireless connection, among others.

In some embodiments, the clip-on base includes grips that, once locked,secure the customized stuffed toy from slipping out or losing stuffing.In other embodiments, the clip-on base includes a rubber coating on thegrips to further assist in keeping the stuffed toy from slipping out ofthe clip-on base. In yet further embodiments, the clip-on base comprisesa shape other than shoes. In still further embodiments, the softwareapplication that allows for the customization of stuffed toys and/orbackdrops is installed in a kiosk that may be included in a retaillocation, a shopping mall, a pharmacy, or in any other location.

In still further embodiments, the composite sheet is not decorated byprinting a design onto the composite sheet. Instead, the composite sheetmay be decorated by the user with markers, pens, or other writinginstruments. For example, the stuffed toy kit may include one or morewriting instruments with the blank composite sheet to allow the user todraw a customized design directly onto the composite sheet.

As should be understood by those having ordinary skill in the art,embodiments of the invention described with reference to compositesheets used for creating a customized stuffed toy apply equally tocomposite sheets used for creating customized clothing. For example,embodiments of the invention described in FIGS. 5-11 may also be appliedto creating a customized design for clothing on the composite sheet.Additionally, as described above, the customized clothing can be worn byeither a doll or a person.

One advantage of the systems and methods disclosed herein is that userscan create customized stuffed toys conveniently on their own homeprinter. A second advantage is that if the customized stuffed toy ismisplaced, then a second “copy” of the same customized stuffed toy canbe printed. Finally, providing communication between the customizedstuffed toy and a computer system provides a unique and enjoyable userexperience where the user can associate the virtual stuffed toy thatinteracts in various environments with the “real” stuffed toy physicallyin their possession.

While the forgoing is directed to embodiments of the present invention,other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised withoutdeparting from the basic scope thereof. For example, aspects of thepresent invention may be implemented in hardware or software or in acombination of hardware and software. In addition, one embodiment of theinvention may be implemented as a program product for use with acomputer system. The program(s) of the program product define functionsof the embodiments (including the methods described herein) and can becontained on a variety of computer-readable storage media. Illustrativecomputer-readable storage media include, but are not limited to: (i)non-writable storage media (e.g., read-only memory devices within acomputer such as CD-ROM disks readable by a CD-ROM drive, flash memory,ROM chips or any type of solid-state non-volatile semiconductor memory)on which information is permanently stored; and (ii) writable storagemedia (e.g., floppy disks within a diskette drive or hard-disk drive orany type of solid-state random-access semiconductor memory) on whichalterable information is stored. Such computer-readable storage media,when carrying computer-readable instructions that direct the functionsof the present invention, are embodiments of the present invention.Therefore, the scope of the present invention is determined by theclaims that follow.

What is claimed is:
 1. A composite sheet comprising: a first fabricportion and a second fabric portion, each fabric portion having a sameshape, the first and second fabric portions being sewn together by astitching conforming to a perimeter of the shape, the stitchingincluding at least one opening where the first and second fabricportions are not stitched together along the perimeter; a membraneportion disposed between the first fabric portion and the second fabricportion; and a feeder portion comprising top and bottom sheets, at leasta part of the membrane portion extending between the top and bottomsheets, the first and second fabric portions being detachable from thefeeder portion.
 2. The composite sheet of claim 1 wherein at least partof the first and second fabric portions are disposed between the top andbottom sheets of the feeder portion.
 3. The composite sheet of claim 1wherein the membrane portion includes a hole comprising the shape of thefirst and second fabric portions.
 4. The composite sheet of claim 1wherein the membrane portion comprises paper.
 5. The composite sheet ofclaim 1 wherein the membrane portion comprises plastic.
 6. The compositesheet of claim 1 wherein the membrane portion comprises a battingmaterial.
 7. The composite sheet of claim 1 wherein the composite sheethas a length that is substantially equivalent to 8.5 inches and a widththat is substantially equivalent to 11.0 inches, or is substantially thesize of A4 size paper.
 8. The composite sheet of claim 1 wherein thefirst fabric portion or the second fabric portion comprises a non-wovenfabric material.
 9. The composite sheet of claim 1 wherein the firstfabric portion or the second fabric portion comprises a woven fabricmaterial.
 10. The composite sheet of claim 1 wherein the first fabricportion, the second fabric portion and the membrane are sewn together ina roll.
 11. The composite sheet of claim 1 wherein the shape is that ofan item of clothing.
 12. The composite sheet of claim 1 wherein theshape is that of a stuffed toy.
 13. The composite sheet of claim 1wherein at least one of the first and second fabric portions includes anopening, slit, or seam therein.
 14. A composite sheet comprising: afabric toy that is detachable from a feeder portion, the fabric toyincluding two fabric portions sewn together by a stitching to create apocket therebetween, the stitching conforming to a shape of the fabrictoy, the stitching including at least one gap therein, the feederportion including top and bottom sheets, wherein an edge of the fabrictoy is disposed between the top and bottom sheets.
 15. The compositesheet of claim 14 further comprising a membrane portion disposed betweenthe fabric portions.
 16. The composite sheet of claim 15 wherein themembrane portion is further disposed between the top and bottom sheets.17. The composite sheet of claim 15 wherein the membrane portioncomprises paper.
 18. The composite sheet of claim 14 wherein the feederportion defines a frame around the fabric toy.
 19. The composite sheetof claim 18 wherein the frame has outside dimensions comprising a lengththat is substantially equivalent to 8.5 inches and a width that issubstantially equivalent to 11.0 inches, or is substantially the size ofA4 size paper.